A 10-member Indian gems and jewellery delegation visited Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to strengthen bilateral trade ties and explore new opportunities for cooperation in the gems and jewellery sector. Led by Sohil Kothari, SEZ Convener, GJEPC, the delegation participated in a networking event attended by more than 50 industry professionals, government officials, embassy representatives and members of the local jewellery trade. The visit to Kyrgyzstan formed part of a three-country trade mission to Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan undertaken between 13 and 19 July.
The event opened with a welcome address by H.E. Mr. Birender Singh Yadav, Ambassador of India to Kyrgyzstan. During the networking session, Kothari outlined the objectives of the visit and showcased India’s strengths in jewellery manufacturing, exports and its integrated industry ecosystem, highlighting opportunities to deepen trade and investment between the two countries.
The event was attended by senior officials including Deputy Chairman Kubanychbek Isabekov of the State Tax Service under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, Stalbek Akmatov of the Jewellerys and Entrepreneurs Union of the Kyrgyz Republic, Kalybek Bekturgan, representative of the Chamber to India, and Osmonaliev, Head of the Precious Metals Division of the State Tax Service.
During the discussions, Deputy Chairman Isabekov highlighted several incentives for jewellery manufacturers setting up operations in Kyrgyzstan. These include a concessional income tax of 0.25% on profits, exemption from VAT, sales tax and import duties on manufacturing equipment, and access to locally sourced gold at 2% below the LBMA benchmark.
The discussions also highlighted Kyrgyzstan’s abundant reserves of gold and coloured gemstones, creating strong potential for collaboration with India’s globally competitive manufacturing sector and paving the way for closer bilateral trade and investment across the gems and jewellery value chain.